It’s the Holiday Season: Do You Know Where Your Meds Are?

The post below was first published on HUFFPOST Healthy Living.
What do you think of when it comes to Thanksgiving? Spending time with friends and loved ones? A giant turkey or tofurky with all the fixings? You’re likely thinking of all the planning, cooking, and entertaining — and storing your medications couldn’t be further from your mind, right?
If the answer is “yes,” you are not alone. But drug misuse or abuse can happen, especially during the holidays with guests in your home — even those you may know well. It’s important to ensure they do not accidentally or purposefully misuse your medications.
Nearly 10,000 emergency room visits each year for children under the age of 18 are attributed to misusing medication; including accidentally swallowing pills or taking too much of something [1]. A common mistake for people without young children is leaving their medications in a purse or bag that is within reach of a toddler. As any parent can tell you, just because something says “childproof” or “unbreakable” doesn’t mean a child cannot or will not try to get into it!
Concealing medications isn’t just for the benefit of young children — it’s for the safety and consideration of your teenage and adult guests, as well [2]. Someone may be secretly struggling with an addiction to pain medications, other drugs, or alcohol. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please seek immediate...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - December 15, 2015 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Consumer Health Care Rx Source Type: blogs